Freedom of the Press - Suriname (2004)
| Publisher | Freedom House |
| Publication Date | 28 April 2004 |
| Cite as | Freedom House, Freedom of the Press - Suriname (2004), 28 April 2004, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/47345138c.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Status: Free
Legal Environment: 2
Political Influences: 10
Economic Pressures: 6
Total Score: 18
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 70
Religious Groups: Hindu (27.4 percent),Muslim (19.6 percent), Roman Catholic (22.8 percent), Protestant (25.2 percent), indigenous beliefs (5 percent)
Ethnic Groups: East Indian (37 percent), Creole (31 percent, Javanese (15 percent), other (17 percent)
Capital: Paramaribo
The constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, and President Ronald Venetiann's government generally respects these rights. However, some journalists continue to practice self-censorship due to a history of intimidation and threats under former dictator Desi Bouterse, who maintains his influence in politics. The media can face government warnings or harassing lawsuits from public officials when reporting on sensitive or critical stories; the U.S. State Department reported two such cases for 2003. The media are primarily privately owned, with approximately 11 private television stations and 25 private radio stations; state-owned broadcast media provide pluralistic views.